What are DNA microarrays? How are they used?

Key Concepts

DNA Microarrays

DNA microarrays are laboratory tools used to detect the expression of thousands of genes simultaneously. They consist of a small solid surface, usually a glass slide, onto which DNA probes are fixed in a grid-like pattern. Each probe corresponds to a specific gene, allowing researchers to analyze gene expression levels in various samples.

Gene Expression Profiling

Gene expression profiling is the measurement of the activity (expression) of thousands of genes at once to create a global picture of cellular function. By comparing the expression levels of genes in different conditions or treatments, researchers can identify which genes are upregulated or downregulated, providing insights into biological processes and disease mechanisms.

Applications of DNA Microarrays

DNA microarrays have diverse applications, including cancer research, where they help identify gene expression patterns associated with different tumor types. They are also used in pharmacogenomics to understand how genetic variations affect individual responses to drugs, and in diagnostics to detect genetic disorders by analyzing the expression of related genes.